Checking in on prostate health

In Australia,
prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Around 3,500 men
die of prostate cancer each year, which is higher than the number of women dying
of breast cancer.

A prostate is a
small gland, roughly the size of a walnut, which sits under the bladder and
surrounds the urethra in males. It produces most of the fluid that makes up
semen, and needs testosterone to grow and develop.

The prostate can
grow as males get older. It can cause problems with urinating, however this is
not always a symptom or sign of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer
is usually a slow growing disease and most men with early stage prostate cancer
live for years without symptoms. High-grade prostate disease spreads quickly
and can be lethal.

Who is at risk?

The chance of
developing prostate cancer increases with age. The risk of getting prostate
cancer by the age of 75 is 1 in 7 men. By the age of 85, this increases to 1 in
5.

Family history is
also a risk factor for prostate cancer. Having a first-degree male relative
with prostate cancer, means there is a higher chance of developing it than men
with no family history. The risk increases again if there is more than one male
relative with prostate cancer. Risks are also higher for men whose male
relatives were diagnosed at a young age.

Men over the age
50, or over the age of 40 but with a family history of prostate cancer, should
talk to their doctor about testing for prostate cancer.

In addition, diet can also play a role in increased risk, with evidence suggesting diets high in processed meat and fat can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

What are the symptoms?

Most men with
early stage prostate cancer live for years without symptoms. Late-stage
prostate cancer symptoms can include:

frequent or sudden need to urinate

difficulty urinating (trouble starting or poor urine flow)

discomfort when urinating

blood in urine or semen

pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips.

These symptoms
may not mean you have prostate cancer, but if you experience any of them, go
and see your doctor.

How is prostate cancer detected and diagnosed?A doctor will usually do a blood test and/or physical examination to check the health of the prostate.

If your tests show you may be at risk
of prostate cancer, you will undergo a biopsy which is the only way a firm diagnosis
can be made.

Patients are often referred to the
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service for support. This is a Prostate
Cancer Foundation Australia initiative, which supports the placement of nurses
in hospitals across Australia in partnership with health service providers.

Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse (PCSN) Russell
Reyes is based at St John of God Murdoch Hospital.

He said despite being a common cancer amongst
men, there were many misconceptions around prostate cancer.

“Unfortunately, I may sometimes spend 15-20
minutes of my consults breaking myths and misconceptions,” he said.

“I
endeavour to spread the word on the work PCFA is doing and the
difference all the PCSNs across the country are making for our patients.

“I enjoy using the skills I developed in helping gents to feel that they are not alone in their prostate cancer journey, and that there are people who care and want to lighten their burden.”